To paint or not?

[MizTanks]

Would like to know what to do with the outside back of my tank. Paint it? If so, type of paint used?
Also the top and bottom frame of the tank has that fake wood grain. Can I paint that too? Would it just peal off with time, better yet will it peal off now?


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[AZDesertRat]

I prefer to paint the backs of my tanks black. It really does not matter what paint you use as long as it is coated well, usually several light coats versus one thicker coat which tends to run and streak.
I have used Krylon in both a spray paint and brushed or rolled on from a can. I have also used no name or store brand paints and the worked just as well. I usually mask the trim off but it really does not matter.

Just be careful with hang on back devices like skimmers, overflows and HOB filters as they will scratch the paint if moved around a lot. I sometimes stick a small piece of felt on the contact points and that seems to work well. Its easy to touch the paint up though if it gets scratched, a dab on a paper towel goes on easy and requires no clean up.

[schminksbro]

What he said

[steve&mari]

Also trim should be sanded lightly before you paint it if you do. My son n I built our stand and used some blue n black marble laminate from a thrift store for few bucks did top of stand with it and also covered black trim on tank with it. When we finish conapy it also will be covered to match. Back of tank is painted blue so it all blends. As said any paint should work go with a outdoor paint though will hold up lil better with it being so near saltwater. They also have really nice adheasive backgrounds now kinda like window tint for your car that work great. And adheasive spray for the other backgrounds that still allows it to be removed. Kinda 6 of 1 half doz. of the other. Lol
Steve


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[bigbill]

i used oil based paint on my back its thicker and did a realy good job with only 2 coats but i would deffently paint it

[schminksbro]

The only problem with adhesive backgrounds is that a drip of saltwater can get between them and the glass which make for an ugly eyesore. Paint won't allow that to happen. I use krylon spray paint. It is cheap and easy and it works well.

Originally Posted by steve&mari

Also trim should be sanded lightly before you paint it if you do. My son n I built our stand and used some blue n black marble laminate from a thrift store for few bucks did top of stand with it and also covered black trim on tank with it. When we finish conapy it also will be covered to match. Back of tank is painted blue so it all blends. As said any paint should work go with a outdoor paint though will hold up lil better with it being so near saltwater. They also have really nice adheasive backgrounds now kinda like window tint for your car that work great. And adheasive spray for the other backgrounds that still allows it to be removed. Kinda 6 of 1 half doz. of the other. Lol
Steve


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[chort55]

Originally Posted by schminksbro

The only problem with adhesive backgrounds is that a drip of saltwater can get between them and the glass which make for an ugly eyesore. Paint won't allow that to happen. I use krylon spray paint. It is cheap and easy and it works well.

+1 for sure!

[floydie83]

Paint it for sure...I think my took 3 coats of black spray paint.

[Heidi]

I didn't paint my hex I am just letting the panel that is against the wall cover up with algae, so its like a combo of purple, green, red and red from the wall behid it. Just a different approach. (no right or wrong) I like a natural look as you can see from me "leaving my algae in my tank alone"

[MUCHO REEF]

"To paint or not? " I would say Not. Why? Glass, by nature of its smooth surface, is not a desireable surface for paint to adhere to. If you have cords, cables, wires, hoses with clamps, hang on devices etc, that will dangle and possibly scratch the paint, it now becomes an eyesore. I have always used a black of blue piece of aquarium backing from any LFS. I don't like using glue as it is nearly impossible to get it perfect with an airless finish. Instead, I will measure and cut the backing both vertically and horizontally, leaving 3/8" or so excess on the top and bottom cut. It your tank has a black plastic edge, as most tanks do, I'd slide the top upwards and underneath this edge starting at the top then sticking the bottom edge inside the black trim. I have done this with every tank I have ever own and it looks greats. But now you have to seal it to prevent any splashed water from dripping between the glass and the backing. I use basis 1" clear tape to seal all four edges. It is a flawless and seamless finish. Make sure you don't crinkle your backing as it will show through when viewed from the front of the tank. Good luck my friend.

Just my 2 cents.

Mucho Reef